Sabbath Sampler from Jack

A few random thoughts on a beautiful fall Sunday...

I recently read an excellent book that has enhanced the way I look at the Temple and relationships. The book is called The Holy Secret, by James Ferrell (he also wrote The Peacegiver, which I also highly recommend). Deseret Book has the book available online, posting one chapter each week. Well, the marketing ploy worked. I couldn't wait that long, so I used a 50% off coupon and bought my own copy. Click here to view the online book.

Today marks 185 years since Moroni appeared to Joseph. The events of the Restoration have always been fascinating to me. I'm so grateful for the humble, faithful boy prophet. I've not yet been to the Hill Cumorah. I wonder if the leaves are changing there now like they are here. It must have been a beautiful September morning when Joseph first saw the Gold Plates and other items with them. Can you imagine? You'll remember that Joseph worked for a short time with Josiah Stowell, who was a treasure hunter looking for a legendary lost silver mine that was thought to have been opened by Spaniards in northern Pennsylvania. (I bet Stowell would really enjoy National Treasure II). All the while Joseph knew where some real treasure was, but he was faithful and after much preparation received the plates which could not be used for temporal gain, but were certainly of great worth.

According to the Church History in the Fullness of Times institute manual, "The monumental work of bringing forth the Book of Mormon was foretold by ancient prophets. A work of such magnitude requires careful preparation. In this instance, it required four years of tutoring. During that time Joseph met annually with Moroni at the Hill Cumorah to receive instructions in preparation for receiving the plates. Other Nephite prophets who had a vital interest in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon also played a significant role in Joseph's preparation. Nephi, Alma, the twelve Apostles chosen by the Savior in America, and Mormon all instructed Joseph. His education was intense during this period.

His mother, Lucy, describes their evening conversations: 'Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing [interesting] recitals that could be imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them.'"

Sweet.

We had an awesome lesson on patriarchal blessings in Young Men's today. A patriarch in our ward (not assigned to a stake currently) came and talked to the boys. He described the blessing as a kind of mirror that could help them see themselves as the Lord sees them. I thought that was really cool. Perhaps I'll go read mine. It's been a while.

Jackson is six weeks old today. Can you believe it? To celebrate, he leaked through some diapers, requiring two outfit changes, cried, spit up, squirmed, cooed, smiled cutely, cuddled, slept, smiled some more, and emoted cuteness to the max. What a guy.